Penang – an island that combines tradition and modernity in a cool way. Here you can expect not only beautiful beaches and a tropical flair, but also enormous cultural diversity. Whether it’s the hustle and bustle of George Town, the relaxed atmosphere on Batu Ferringhi Beach or the dense jungle of Penang National Park – the island has a lot to offer.

The island of Penang is also a place where you can sample authentic street food, discover impressive temples and enjoy the relaxed island vibe. Perfect for those who need a bit of variety and are looking for something special. In the following article you will learn everything about the island and the most beautiful sights in Penang.

• General information about the island of Penang
• Sights on Penang
• Popular tours & Excursions
• Hotel tips for Penang
• Arrival in Penang
• Airport transfer
• Onward travel from Penang
• Public transport
• Best time to visit Penang
• Food & drink
• Currency & budget
• eSim for Malaysia
• Visa & entry
• Malaysia packing list

General information about the island of Penang

Penang is located on the northwest coast of Malaysia and consists of the main island of Pulau Pinang and the mainland area of Seberang Perai, which is connected to the island by the impressive Penang Bridge. With an area of approximately 300 square kilometers, the island is compact yet incredibly diverse.

Its location in the Strait of Malacca has made Penang a cultural melting pot for centuries—shaped by Chinese, Indian, European, and Malay influences. George Town, the capital, is not only an urban center but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and known for its street art, street food, and cultural diversity.

Thanks to its international airport, Penang is easily accessible and offers an exciting mix of city, beach, and nature. Whether you want to explore the historic old town of George Town, relax on the beach, or hike in the lush rainforest, you’ll find quite a lot in a small space here.

Sights on Penang

The island may be small, but it has a lot to offer. Whether it’s impressive temples and numerous mosques, museums, gardens and national parks, historical buildings, relaxing beaches, or adventurous outdoor activities, Penang has something for everyone. Here are some of the sights on Penang that you shouldn’t miss on the island:

⬇️ Useful downloads:

• Penang brochure (German)
• City and island map with all the highlights (English)
• Overview map of street art and installations (English)

Island capital George Town

George Town is the cultural heart of Penang Island and a place where history comes alive. The old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a labyrinth of narrow streets, colorful houses, and impressive colonial buildings. Every corner tells a story – from colorful street art to historic clan houses, impressive temples, and mosques that showcase the city’s cultural diversity.

Highlights include the Khoo Kongsi, one of Malaysia’s most magnificent clan houses, and the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple on the island. The Kapitan Keling Mosque is also worth a visit – a beautiful example of Islamic architecture.

And of course, a stop at the Pinang Peranakan Mansion is a must, offering insights into the opulent lifestyle of the Peranakan culture. A stroll along Armenian Street will take you to the most famous street art works and small shops selling handmade souvenirs. Cool cafes and plenty of street food also await you in George Town.

Other highlights in George Town

• Goddess of Mercy Temple
• Chaiya Mangkalaram Temple
• Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple
• Chinatown & Little India
• Imposing City Hall (Town Hall)
• Queen Victoria Clock Tower

• Fort Cornwallis
• Asia Camera Museum
• Penang 3D Trick Art Museum
• Upside Down Museum
• Wonderfood Museum (tickets here*)
• Hin Bus Depot

Street Art in George Town

The city is known for its vibrant street art scene, and for this very reason, we want to dedicate a separate paragraph to this highlight. The streets of the old town are decorated with truly fantastic murals and art installations that reflect both the local culture and the everyday lives of the residents.

A large part of the street art scene in George Town is the work of the Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic. For the 2012 George Town Festival, he created six murals depicting scenes from everyday life in Malaysia. Particularly famous are “Little Children on a Bicycle” and “Boy on a Bike.” These works combine painting with real objects, turning them into interactive highlights—and, of course, very popular photo spots.

But Zacharevic is by no means the only one who has beautified George Town’s streets. The city is full of works of art from a wide variety of artists. In addition to the murals, there are also 52 wrought-iron caricatures that humorously tell the history and life of Penang. So make sure you take your time and set out to find all these cool works of art—a true scavenger hunt with a fun factor. To the map with all works of art.

View from “The Top” Penang

If you want to admire the city from above, you should head to “The Top” observation deck in the evening. It’s actually a huge indoor amusement park with plenty of attractions for children and restaurants.

The highlight in the truest sense of the word: On the 68th floor of the Komtar Tower, you can stroll across a glass skywalk and enjoy the view of the city. It’s especially beautiful at sunset or in the evening when George Town is illuminated by thousands of lights.

• Address: 1, Jln Penang, George Town
• Opening hours: Wed. – Mon. 10 am to 10 pm | Tue. 10am – 7pm
• Admission prices: Book your ticket for “The Top” here*

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Penang Peranakan Mansion

The restored mansion is a true highlight for immersing yourself in the opulent world of Peranakan culture – an exciting blend of Chinese and Malay traditions. Inside, you’ll find antique furniture, jewelry, and works of art that showcase the wealth and splendor of this era.

Particularly interesting: The exhibitions provide insights into life back then, from traditional wedding rituals to typical everyday clothing. The green facade is a real eye-catcher – you definitely won’t miss the building.

• Address: 29, Church Street (Lebuh Gereja)
• Opening hours: daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm
• Tickets: Adults R20, children under 6 free

Clan Jetties

The stilt villages on the coast of George Town are a fascinating glimpse into the past of Penang’s Chinese community. Of the once numerous “Clan Jetties” there are now six that are easily accessible on foot – ideally following Armenian or Chulia Street to the coast.

The Chew Jetty is particularly worth a stop: here you can get an authentic impression of life on the wooden planks above the water. There are also small shops and street food stalls where you can enjoy a snack or two.

Kek Lok Si Temple

The Kek Lok Si Temple in Air Itam is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia and one of the most important and best sights on the island of Penang. The Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas combines Chinese, Thai, and Burmese stylistic elements. Particularly impressive is the 30-meter-high Kuan Yin statue (Goddess of Mercy), which watches over the grounds.

During the Chinese New Year, the Kek Lok Si Temple transforms into a sea of lights. Thousands of lanterns and lights immerse the temple in an absolutely magical atmosphere—a unique experience you shouldn’t miss if you’re on the island at this time.

• Address: Jln Balik Pailau, 11500 Ayer Itam, Penang
• Opening hours: Daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
• Tickets: Guided tour of the temple + Penang Hill*

Penang Hill

A ride on the historic funicular from 1923 takes you up to Penang Hill (833m). Panoramic views of the island and the mainland await you at the top – perfect for a sunset. Besides the view, there’s plenty to discover: “The Habitat” park offers treetop walkways and a spectacular skywalk that gives you the feeling of floating above the jungle. Book tickets here*.

• Station address: Tingkat 7 Bangunan PBBPP, Jalan Bukit Bendera, 11500 Ayer Itam
• Station opening hours: daily from 6:30 am to 11 pm
• Tickets: on site at the station (adults RM16, children RM8)

Masjid Terapung

The Floating Mosque (Masjid Terapung) on Penang, officially Masjid Daerah Timur Laut, is a special building and one of the The island’s landmark. It is located on Tanjung Bungah Beach and lives up to its name, as it appears to float above the water at high tide. The mosque was built in 2004 and has space for 1,500 worshipers.

Penang Botanical Gardens

The Penang Botanical Gardens, also known as “Waterfall Gardens,” was established in 1884 on the site of a former quarry. It covers 30 hectares and is home to an impressive variety of flora and fauna. The highlights are the themed gardens, where you can explore various areas, including a cactus house, an orchidarium, and a herb garden.

The Penang Botanical Garden is also home to long-tailed macaques that roam freely. But be careful! Please do not feed the monkeys, as they are very bold and cheeky. Various trails lead through the tropical forest; there is even a connection to Penang Hill.

The plant houses are only open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. On weekends, the houses are open in the afternoon until 6 p.m. There are also restrooms, picnic areas, a shop, and an information gallery on site.

• Address: Jalan Kebun Bunga in George Town
• Opening hours: daily from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. (plant houses have different times)
• Admission: free

Penang National Park

Penang National Park, the smallest in Malaysia, covers about 25 square kilometers and is located in the northwest of the island. Here you can expect hiking trails through tropical rainforest to beaches such as Monkey Beach and Turtle Beach. During our approximately During the 1.5-hour hike to Monkey Beach, we encountered impressive monitor lizards. The trail leads through dense rainforest, where you always have to be careful of tree roots to avoid tripping.

Arriving at the beach, we encountered monkeys, some of which were found in the garbage. In general, the condition of the park wasn’t the best. It’s a shame, because the nature in this park is actually really beautiful. For those who don’t want to hike, there is the option of taking a boat. Prices vary; it’s advisable to inquire at the small Teluk Bahang Jetty.

Regarding the condition of the park and the beaches: Since November 1, 2022, a conservation fee has been charged (RM 50 for adults, RM 20 for students) to support maintenance. However, it has been reported that parts of the path to Monkey Beach are in poor condition, with bridges without railings and rusted steps. It is therefore advisable to to obtain current information before visiting.

Batu Ferringhi Beach

Batu Ferringhi Beach on the north coast of Penang is perfect if you want to switch off want. During the day, you can do water sports or simply enjoy the sun. In the evening, the night market comes alive (7 p.m. – 11 p.m.), where you can find everything from souvenirs to delicious snacks.

The combination of beach and market makes Batu Ferringhi a very popular destination. We spent most of our time in Batu Ferringhi, as that was also where our accommodation was. You can eat well and inexpensively at Cafe Cendol Taman Rimba. Western cuisine is served at the Ferringhi Garden restaurant.

Tropical Spice Garden

The Tropical Spice Garden in Penang is a small paradise for all plant lovers among us. On approximately eight hectares, you can discover over 500 different species of tropical plants. Winding paths lead through the garden, amidst fragrant spices, exotic flowers, and lush greenery.

Those who want to experience more can take part in a cooking class and learn to cook with fresh ingredients straight from the garden. The Tropical Spice Garden is located in Teluk Bahang and is easily accessible by bus (No. 101 & No. 102).

• Address: Lot 595 Mukim, 2, Jalan Teluk Bahang, 11050 Teluk Bahang
• Opening hours: Mon. – Thurs. from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Fri. – Sun. from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Admission prices: Book tickets in advance here*

Entopia Butterfly Farm

Not far from Batu Ferringhi is the Entopia Park. It is a highlight for families or nature lovers, as hundreds of butterflies fly freely around you in this park.

In addition to the colorful butterflies, there are also other insects, small reptiles, and interactive exhibits. In total, there are over 15,000 butterflies from 200 species, over 150 animal species, and 200 plant species to admire.

• Address: 830, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050 Tanjung Bungah
• Opening hours: Thurs. – Tues. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Admission prices: Book tickets in advance here*

Tropical Fruit Farm

Want to experience even more? The Tropical Fruit Farm, covering approximately 25 hectares, awaits you with over 200 different tropical and subtropical fruits. During a guided tour (approx. 30 minutes), you can discover exotic fruits you may never have seen before and taste them firsthand. After the tour, it’s worth visiting the in-house shop, where you can purchase fresh fruit and handmade products.

• Address: 830, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050 Tanjung Bungah
• Opening hours: Thurs. – Tues. from 9 am to 5 pm
• Entrance fees: Book tickets in advance here* (incl. tastings)

Popular Tours & Excursions

• George Town: Private Half-Day Historical City Tour*
• Penang: Food Tour with 15+ Tastings*
• ESCAPE Theme Park Entry Ticket*
• George Town: The Habitat Penang Hill Entrance Ticket*
• Kek Lok Si Temple and Penang Hill Guided Tour*
• Half-day Cycling tour through the countryside*

Hotel tips for Penang

We’ve picked out a few really nice hotels for you, which we would book ourselves. Back then, we had a simple Airbnb room with a nice lady for a week and then stayed in two different hostels for 2 or 3 nights. Today, we would prefer a nice hotel, which is why we’ve provided links to some great accommodations below:

We’ve divided the accommodations into 3 price categories:

• € – Budget: up to 70 € per night for 2 people
• €€ – Mid-range: 70 € to 100 € per night for 2 People
• €€€ – Luxury: €100 to €150 per night for 2 people

€ – Budget

• Carnarvon House*
• Areca Hotel Penang*
• Ren I Tang Heritage Inn*

€ – Mid-range

• Citadines Connect Georgetown Penang*
• SAVV HOTEL*
• Nature Fruit Farm – Private Estate*
• 23 Love Lane Hotel*

€€€ – Luxury

• lyf Georgetown Penang by The Ascott Limited*
• Angsana Teluk Bahang, Penang*
• PARKROYAL Penang Resort*
• Cheong Fatt Tze – The Blue Mansion*

Getting to Penang

The island of Penang is easily accessible, whether you are traveling from abroad or from other parts of Malaysia. We took the train from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth for €8 per person and from there the ferry to George Town. The journey only takes around 20 minutes. The ferries run daily from 5:20 a.m. to 11:40 p.m.

By By Plane

Penang International Airport (PEN) is located in the south of the island, about 20 kilometers from George Town. It is served by international destinations such as Singapore, Bangkok, and Jakarta, as well as Malaysian cities such as Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi. From there, you can take a taxi, a Grab Ride (local ride-hailing app), or a bus to get to the city.

From Germany, you can fly for under €600 (depending on the time of travel). Most flights include a stopover in Kuala Lumpur before continuing on to the island. You can get one-way flights from Bangkok, Krabi, or Phuket to Penang for under €50. We always use Skyscanner* to search for flights.

By bus or train

If you’re on the mainland, you can travel by train or long-distance bus to Butterworth, the city opposite Penang. The train from Kuala Lumpur takes about four hours to Butterworth. From there, the ferry (approx. 10 minutes) takes you directly to George Town. Alternatively, you can use the Penang Bridge to reach the island by bus or car.

You can also travel from Thailand. For example, minibuses offer inexpensive travel from Krabi via Hat Yai to Penang. (Cost approximately €15). However, it is certainly also possible to get there from other locations, such as Phuket, Koh Lipe, etc. You can easily book bus, train, and ferry tickets at 12go.com* or easybook.com.

By ferry

If you are coming from Langkawi, there are direct ferries to Penang that dock in George Town. The crossing takes about 3 hours and offers great views of the Andaman Sea. We recommend this method of travel rather than taking a short flight.

By car

Penang is connected to the mainland by two bridges. The Penang Bridge (13.5 km long) is the shorter route and leads directly to George Town, while the newer Second Penang Bridge (24 km) leads further south onto the island – ideal if you want to head south.

Airport Transfer

Penang Airport (Bayan Lepas International Airport) is located in the south of the island. From there, you can take a taxi to George Town (unless you have accommodation elsewhere on the island). Taxis are available in the arrivals area. The journey to George Town takes about 30 to 45 minutes and costs approximately RM38. Please note that there is a 50% surcharge between midnight and 6:00 a.m.

Rapid Penang bus routes 401, 401A, and 401E connect the airport to the city. The buses run every 30 minutes and take about an hour to reach their destination. The fare is approximately RM2.70. Please note that bus drivers only accept the exact amount and do not give change.

For more convenience, you can book a private transfer in advance. At Getyourguide*, you can book private transfers for around €30 per group. Services like Grab are also widely available on the island of Penang. You can easily book a vehicle and see the price in advance using the app.

Continuing your journey from Penang

From Penang, most people head towards Thailand or further through Malaysia. You can take a bus, train, or plane to Kuala Lumpur, for example, or to Melaka or the Cameron Highlands. We took the bus to Brinchang/Tanah Rata (Cameron Highlands). The journey took just under 4.5 hours and cost less than €8. From Penang, you can also take the ferry to the island of Langkawi (or further to Koh Lipe, Koh Lanta, Krabi, Phi Phi, etc.).

At the end of our Penang trip, we took a minivan from Penang to Krabi (via Hat Yai). The journey took just under 8 hours, and we only paid around €15. As already mentioned, you can easily book bus, train, and ferry tickets online via 12go.com* or easybook.com.

Public Transport

If you’re staying in the center of George Town, you don’t really need much other than two healthy legs. Almost everything is close by and within walking distance. Penang also has a very good bus network connecting the various regions of the island.

At the bus station, you can get a free map of George Town with all the important information at the counter. The main provider is Rapid Penang, which operates over 50 bus routes on the island and the mainland. The buses connect important locations such as George Town, the airport, and tourist attractions. Popular routes include:

• 101: Connects George Town with Batu Ferringhi and Penang National Park.
• 102: Runs from the airport via Teluk Bahang to Balik Pulau.

There is also the so-called CAT bus. This runs on two routes (red and blue) through the center of Georgetown and is completely free. This tourist bus is great for exploring the area, or if you want to go from the harbor to the center. You can find more information here: myPenang.com.

You also have the option of renting a scooter (€8-10 per day) or a bicycle (€3-5 per day). You’ll get your deposit for the scooter (usually €30-40) back at the end, provided you don’t have an accident. Don’t forget your international driver’s license!

On Penang Island, you can also use the UBER or Grab apps. These will get you super cheap taxi rides, either from private individuals or regular taxi drivers. The cost is often only a fraction of a normal taxi ride, and in Malaysia, it always worked out fine for me.

Best Time to Visit Penang

In principle, you can visit the island year-round, but the best time to visit depends somewhat on your preferences. Most vacationers come during the dry season, between November and March. It’s warm and sunny with little rain. Many cultural festivals take place during this time, such as Chinese New Year (usually in January/February) or Thaipusam (a Hindu festival that includes an impressive parade). Penang can generally be busier and more expensive at this time.

If you travel to the island during the rainy season (May to September), you can expect more frequent short tropical showers. However, it remains warm, and the island is even more lush and green. The advantage, of course, is that there are fewer tourists on the island, allowing you to enjoy more peace and quiet. Our tip: The showers often come in the afternoon or evening – perfect for being active in the morning and relaxing in the afternoon.

➡️ More on this topic here: Best time to travel to Malaysia.

Food & Drink

Starve in Penang? That’s not possible. You have endless options for trying different cuisines. You can choose between Malay, Indian, Thai, or even Chinese cuisine. Of course, you can also get Western dishes in Penang, such as pizza, burgers, and pasta.

You can find street food on almost every corner in George Town – especially on Lebuh Kimberley, Lorong Baru, and Chulia Street. Another important note: On Penang, the tap water in urban areas such as George Town is generally well treated and meetsthe national standards. Nevertheless, many (including us) prefer bottled water from the supermarket.

Cool Cafés & Restaurants in Penang

• The Loft – Love Lane (Italian cuisine)
• David Brown’s Restaurant & Tea Terrace (great view over the city)
• Communal Table by Gen (local, cool bistro)
• Halab Penang Arabic Restaurant (Middle Eastern cuisine)
• Mews Café & Junk Café (burgers, vegetarian Asian food)
• Chang Noi Restaurant (Thai cuisine)
• My Own Cafe – Laksa (regional dishes)
• Y Not Cafe Restaurant (regional dishes)
• The Alley (best churros in town)
• Mugshot (fresh bagels, cakes & drinks)

Currency & Budget

In Malaysia, you pay with the Malaysian Ringgit. 1€ currently gives you almost 4.5 MYR. There are also exchange offices on Penang, but we recommend a credit card, as carrying a lot of cash around isn’t advisable. You’ll find banks and ATMs all over the island, so you won’t have to search forever to get cash.

Since we’ve also been victims of fraud (on Koh Lanta), we recommend only withdrawing money from ATMs in banks. Our ATM was tampered with, and our card was copied. Almost €500 was withdrawn this way without us initially noticing. So please be careful and take a closer look at ATMs abroad.

You can find more on this topic here:

• Currency in Malaysia – Everything you need to know!
• The best credit cards for traveling
• Security with credit cards – Our best tips

eSim for Malaysia

An eSIM for Malaysia is a great option for your trip. It allows you to go online immediately upon arrival without a physical SIM card. You can install and activate the eSIM before your trip, so you’ll be connected immediately upon landing.

The best benefits for you:

• No waiting or searching for local SIM card vendors at the airport.
• Data packages can be purchased online and extended as needed.
• Clear pricing with no hidden fees.

We always use eSIM cards from Airalo*. This company offers various data packages between 1 GB and 20 GB, with prices ranging from $4.50 to $39.50. Installation is straightforward, and the website is available in German. With the code “NICOLE2629”, you’ll receive $3 credit from us for free. Order an eSIM for Malaysia here*.

Visa & Entry

Entering Malaysia is particularly backpacker-friendly! You don’t need to get a visa in advance. At the airport, you simply get a stamp in your passport and can stay in the country for up to three months. Great policy, right? Since December 2025, you have to register electronically using the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) within three days of entering Malaysia. More about this here: Entering Malaysia – Everything You Need to Know.

We also obtained a new 60-day visa for Thailand from the Thai consulate in George Town. This went smoothly, and we had our new visa within 24 hours. This meant we could continue our round-the-world trip without any problems and travel to the next country.

Malaysia Packing List

• Kek Lok Si Buddhist Temple by galitskaya | istock.com
• George Town City Hall by Jui-Chi Chan | istock.com
• Colorful umbrellas in the sky by Stephane Noiret | istock.com
• Kapitan Keling Mosque in George Town by bloodua | istock.com
• Historic Chew Jetty with wooden fishing boats by Nataliia Milko | istock.com
• Kek Lok Si Temple in George Town by Medvedkov | istock.com
• Kek Lok Si Temple in George Town by dinozaver | istock.com
• George Town city view from Penang Hill during twilight by KeongDaGreat | istock.com
• Floating mosque of Tanjung Bungah in Penang by mazzzur | istock.com
• Monkey with child in Penang Botanical Gardens by Wyco | istock.com
• Sandy beach in Batu Ferringhi by coleong | istock.com
• Tropical spice garden in Penang by MarcPo | istock.com
• Malaysia, butterfly by YusufAsia | istock.com
• Durian fruit Malaysia by charinporn thayot | istock.com
• Indian food, Tamil Nadu style Penang by Simon Furlong | istock.com
• Penang 2nd Bridge by KeongDaGreat | istock.com